Peer Validated

The Hold Steady has sort of been the king of cool for the last few years or so in indie rock. Big, huge hooks and guitar licks, hard hitting drum parts and hollered vocals all paved the way for two unforgettable albums, “Separation Sunday,” and the highly acclaimed, “Boys and Girls in America.”

So, what the heck happens when the band ditches the electric guitars and turns the volume knobs down low? Oh, turns out, they’re just as cool and lovable.

“Live at Fingerprints,” is the recording of an acoustic set The Hold Steady played at a record store in October of last year. It’s certainly not as convincing as the whole shebang, but there are moments that make this 5-song EP worth a few listens. The accordion work speaks for itself, mimicking the guitar riffs throughout the songs, and Craig Finn’s ramblings about love, drugs and drinking somehow find their place in this short but sweet EP. During a few moments, it even seems like places in the songs might benefit from this condensed approach, allowing some of the bare emotions to come to the forefront. “You Can Make Him Like You,” has more than one of these moments.

Overall, this 5-songer is the kind of release that won’t turn any new heads, but it’s something that ye ol’ faithful will be able to appreciate.

The Hold Steady - You Can Make Him Like You